Farrell hailed as ‘straight shooter’
political career.
He led the Manhattan Democratic Party from 1981-2009 — the post’s longest reign ever. And he became the first African-American head of the state Democratic Committee, serving from 2001-06.
Farrell, first elected in 1975 to represent his Manhattan district, helped pass consumerfriendly banking and credit card laws.
Gov. Cuomo ordered the state’s flags to fly at half-staff Tuesday to honor Farrell, who served under a half-dozen governors.
“My father once said, ‘Denny is a giant in a world of little people,’” recalled the governor, invoking his dad Mario. “He was a man who stood and acted out of principle.”
Like Dinkins and Rangel, Farrell came out of the “Harlem Clubhouse” that also produced prominent African-American leaders Percy Sutton and Basil Paterson.
Rangel recalled that the son of a tailor was always impeccably dressed and focused on the task at hand.
When Farrell stepped down last September, he cited health issues and his desire to spend more time with family — including his 13-yearold daughter Sophia.
His departure date of Sept. 5, 2017, was chosen to make the 51st anniversary of Farrell’s first state government job, working in the Manhattan State Supreme Court.
After he retired, the Riverbank State Park overlooking the Hudson River was renamed in his honor.
“Few people gave more to NYC than Denny Farrell,” tweeted Mayor de Blasio. “He showed an unwavering commitment to making New York a fairer place, no matter what side of the aisle you were on.”